Running Times Guide to Sunglasses

Guide and Reviews of Sunglasses

When purchasing sunglasses, one way to be sure you’re getting the protection you want is to look to see if the glasses have been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)—if they have, this should be noted somewhere on the product box or on material enclosed with the glasses. If you’re unsure if they provide adequate UV protection, Nickel suggests taking the glasses to your eye doctor and having the lenses tested.

Another consideration when picking out sunglasses is how well they cover your eyes, as UV rays can reach your eyes from all angles. For the best protection, select a model that wraps around to the sides of your face, a feature that many running sunglasses have, but which more fashion-oriented sunglasses often lack.

Once you’ve zeroed in on the models that offer the protection you seek, then Nickel says the ultimate decision on which to buy should come down to comfort. There’s a dizzying array of sunglasses out there: those for wider faces, those for the slim; metal frames and plastic; a full spectrum of lens tints and colors, and the list goes on. The variety of options can be boggling, so here are a few pointers:

Fit: This is a very personal and individual issue. One thing to take into consideration is that some manufacturers make different sizes of the same sunglasses, or offer a similar model that is sized differently.

Polarized Lenses: "I don’t think you could ever go wrong with a polarized lens as long as it has UV protection," says Nickel. The polarization will cut down on glare, and is particularly useful for anyone who will be near water, sand, or snow.

Lens Tints: Every model of sunglasses seems to boast a different color lens, with many models now coming with several interchangeable lenses. Don’t worry about using a lighter, or even a clear, lens as long as it offers UV protection. Despite popular belief, darker does not necessarily mean better. Some of the lighter colored lenses will actually improve your vision by providing greater contrast, while offering the same valuable UV protection as a darker lens. What color and tint you need depends on when and where you plan to wear your sunglasses the most. An extremely dark lens will be perfect for someone who likes to run on the beach, but would be a poor choice for someone who does a lot of driving in the morning or evening.

Resources: There are a number of websites that offer valuable information about the dangers of over-exposure to the sun, and how to protect yourself. Here are a few: